Main Entry: lep·i·dop·ter·an

Pronunciation: \-rən\

Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin Lepidoptera, from lepid- + Greek pteron wing — more at feather

Date: circa 1901

: any of a large order (Lepidoptera) of insects comprising the butterflies, moths, and skippers that as adults have four broad or lanceolate wings usually covered with minute overlapping and often brightly colored scales and that as larvae are caterpillars

— lepidopteran adjective

— lep·i·dop·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ adjective